BOSTON – The Bruins are set to host the New Jersey Devils on Saturday night at TD Garden in their final dress rehearsal of the preseason.
“Most of the full group is playing tonight so excited to see what we can put forward with all the hard work we had in camp,” he said. Jack Studnicka. “It’s starting to sink in that it’s season time.”
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the 7 pm ET puck drop on NESN and 98.5 The Sports Hub:
- Linus Ullmark will get the start between the pipes and is expected to play the entire 60 minutes.
- Craig Smith will slide up to play with the right wing Jake DeBrusk (who will shift over to his natural left wing) and Patrice Bergeron. “I think the way [Smith] plays with speed and he’s tenacious on pucks – Patrice Bergeron is a really talented grinder. He likes to work. He needs workers with him,” said coach Jim Montgomery.[Smith] fits well. Obviously, it’s just a placeholder until 63 [Brad Marchand] is back, as we all know.”
- Charlie Coyle will not play against the Devils but is expected to be ready for the season opener Wednesday night in Washington. “Just precautionary, he’s gonna be good to go Wednesday,” said Montgomery.
- Anton Stralman and Chris Wagner will be the other scratches. Taylor Hall and Matt Grzelcyk remain out with injuries.
- Montgomery added that he believes Wagner is likely to be on the final roster after a strong camp. “Yeah…he provides a level of physicality – everything’s to be determined though when we finalize things the next couple days,” he said.
Video: Montgomery talks ahead of tilt vs. NJD
Saturday’s Projected Lineup
FORWARDS
Jake DeBrusk – Patrice Bergeron – Craig Smith
Pavel Zacha – David Krejci – David Pastrnak
Trent Frederic – Jack Studnicka – AJ Greer
Nick Foligno – Tomas Nosek – Jakub Lauko
DEFENSEMEN
Hampus Lindholm – Brandon Carlo
Mike Reilly – Jakub Zboril
Derek Forbort – Connor Clifton
GOALIES
Linus Ullmark
Jeremy Swayman
Video: B’s host NJD for last preseason game
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